R Vinay Kumar hits back at Sanjay Manjrekar for ‘120 kmph bowler’ remark amid IND vs AUS 1st Test

New Delhi: Former Indian pacer R Vinay Kumar has responded to cricket pundit Sanjay Manjrekar’s comment over his bowling speed and impact. In the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy between India and Australia, Manjrekar is currently held with commentator’s duties.

During the Day 2 of the Perth Test, Manjrekar was involved in an on-air discussion about India’s grassy surfaces and how it benefitted medium pacers to pick up wickets in domestic cricket. Manjrekar cited the example of Karnataka stalwart Vinay Kumar.

“Medium pacers like the Vinay Kumars, with no disrespect to him, were topping the wicket-taking charts because all they needed to do with grass on the pitch was put the ball at 120 kmph in the right area, and they got wickets,” Manjrekar commented during his conversation with Mark Nicholas and Russel Arnold.

However, Manjrekar’s remarks didn’t sit well with the former Indian pacer, who came up with a reply in a social media post.

“Sanjay bhai with due respect, your speed gun requires urgent servicing.
120KMPH 🥹 Seriously?” Vinay Kumar wrote on his X handle.

‘I take pride in my bowling’: R Vinay Kumar

R Vinay Kumar played one Test, 31 One-Day Internationals, and nine T20 Internationals for India between 2010 and 2013. He picked up 49 wickets across all formats at the international stage. The medium pacer played 105 IPL matches, featuring for four different teams across 11 seasons, and returned with 105 dismissals at an economy rate of 8.38.

“With God’s grace I take pride in my achievements, I am contented, satisfied and happy with my life.
Medium pacer like Vinay Kumar has worked really hard to become the 1st Indian fast bowler to take 100 IPL wickets also played for the country in all the formats. I take pride in my bowling. Anyways best wishes and regards,” Vinay further wrote in his reply to Manjrekar.

Vinay Kumar announced retirement from all formats of cricket in February 2021. He played a crucial role in leading Karnataka to twin trebles in domestic cricket comprising Vijay Hazare Trophy, Ranji Trophy and Irani Cup. The southern state team achieved this in the domestic seasons of 2013-14 and 2014-15. He was known for his performance in the first-class cricket, having claimed 504 scalps from 139 matches, including 442 dismissals in the premier Ranji Trophy.